Church Elder Accused of Sexual Conduct with a Minor

PHOENIX - A church elder in Phoenix is accused of public sexual indecency - involving an incident with a 14-year-old boy 30 years ago.

They apparently met through the Madison Park Congregation Church near 16th Street and Earll Drive.

63-year-old David Nelson was arrested at his home Wednesday night. He's charged with sexual conduct with a minor, molestation of a child and public sexual indecency.

This all stems from an alleged incident which happened in 1980.

Nelson has been a Jehovah's Witness elder, a leader of the congregation, since 1979 - one year before the victim says this all happened and apparently on multiple occasions.

The victim told police the incidents happened at least two separate times at Nelson's home.

In a recorded phone call recently, Nelson admitted to the sexual conduct with the victim and even apologized.

A woman who says she's known him for 30 years was stunned, saying he is a well-liked and very helpful neighbor.

"..very, very much shocking news.. I'm shocked.. I don't know what to say.. I hope he's okay.. he's just an angel. .I can not say anything better because he's been here for us all the time," she said.

FOX 10's Marc Martinez tried knocking on the door to Nelson's home. There was someone inside, but they did not want to talk and would not open the door. So it's unknown if they had something to say about the case.

It's not clear why the victim came forward after 30 years.

Police did say that Nelson admitted to the conduct over the phone.

Phoenix police are unaware of any other victims at this time, but would encourage any individuals who were possibly victimized to report the crime.